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For a moment, I felt like throwing the towel. I would attend the meeting, blog a review the next day and then I would get my copy of the Sunday's paper and wonder if I had attended the same meeting. Now before you all start taking mega doses of Geritol and get your granny panties in a bunch, this is not an attack on the writer of the Sunday editorials; it just shows that people see things differently. Thant's another reason why I started recording the meetings; so people can see for themselves. I generally don't take the mayor, board and city clerk at their word because they are trying their best to privitize public discourse. Just last night, I decided to stay after the meeting was over and I glanced up while Merlene Wall was explaining something to Alderwoman at Large, Cora Rogers and Alderman, Ward 3, Quincy Rogers. I noticed that Merlene motioned or pointed towards my direction; I guess that was an sign for the alderpersons to lower their voices to keep me from heari…

Funeral services for Jordan Merritt will be Sunday, September 21, 2014 at the Church of the Way at 2:00 p.m. Please keep the Merritt-Rodgers Family in your prayers. I don't have the words to describe the sorrow of his passing but I would like to share words of encouragement that Jordan had posted on his Facebook page. "I know I have Sickle Cell Anemia but in my heart I know I will never concede. My life has been a symbol of preserverance and I know I will always have the support of my family and friends. I will circumvent any obstacle that faces my way because I know that God has me." #iaintworriedaboutnothing

It looks like they finally got me. I am being arrested, for a good cause this time; the Lumberton Public Library Jail and Bail Fun-raiser. I have gotten away for years but I guess I couldn't hide any longer. This year, a warrant was issued for my arrest. I don't know the exact charges but it could be blogging with lethal weapon. Dag nabbit. So, they will be sending officers out to get me on September 18, 2014 and they will hold me until I raise enough bail money for my release. So, I'm looking forward to my supporters to come and get me out of jail because I can't blog while in the holding tank. They will be feeding us while we're locked up. Maybe I can eat so much that they will release me due to a shortage of snacks. We shall see. Just for the record, I don't want to be in the holding cell by myself. If you can think of someone that you would like to see share a jail cell with me, come to the Lumberton Public Library and fill out paperwork to have a warra…

I called this post the pills and potions edition because after looking at the budget that was presented; it's obvious this board is overdosing on something. I can't tell where any real cuts were made to the budget; it seems the same. The fact that the board paid Richard Rose $1, 600 to prepare this budget is a joke. Why do we have a city clerk if she cannot prepare a budget? What is she doing all day other than reading the Lumberton Informer or thinking of her next lie? The board claimed that Richard Rose was doing this out of the goodness of his heart, that he knew the City of Lumberton was not in a position to pay him. So, rather than charging the normal going rate for an embattled city manager that was allegedly terminated for not reporting to work and other matters; Rose decided he will charge the fiscally challenged City of Lumberton a mere $1,600 and a motorcycle. Now, keep in mind, the board never voted to hire Richard Rose but somehow, he received a check and a moto…

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Today I attended the Day of Remembrance service at the Lumberton Public Library. While waiting for the program to begin, I was approached by Warren Byrd, District 2, Supervisor of Lamar County. At first I thought it was strange that he knew me by name and was able to pick me out of a crowd (although I do have a tendency to stand out; all this faboulosity). It just affirm what I have always known; they're reading the blog but they don't want to admit they're reading. But he was very polite and gave me his business card and his cell phone number. He want to sit and talk to set the record straight and as he said "give me the true facts." Can't wait to converse with him and get the other side of the story. I don't know why I haven't reached out to get his version of the matter but like I've always said, there's three sides to every story. As of now, I've only gotten Ben Winston's version but his facts might be tainted because Winston i…

I thought it wasn't necessary to blog about the meeting because of the videos I posted but I received several messages wanting to know why I didn't blog about the meeting. The meeting was relatively short but I am glad I decided to blog because one can never underestimate the power of Google. The first agenda item was to accept the city clerk's letter dated September 2, 2014 regarding the transfer of $26,000 from WSOM to the General Fund. It seems that the city clerk and mayor decided to transfer this money by holding a vote over the telephone with the other aldermen. Before they voted to approve the transfer of funds, Alderman Quincy Rogers addressed the mayor and board, informing them that the vote was illegal and was supposed to be conducted in an open meeting; not over the telephone. When Alderman Rogers outlined the violation of laws that was committed by this transfer, Alderwoman Cora Rogers was reluctant to vote on the matter. At that moment, I was saying to mys…

Today, we celebrate Labor Day and the opening of Lumberton Doughnut and Breakfast. Labor Day in the United States is a holiday celebrated on the first Monday in September. It is a celebration of the American labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of their country. So, help celebrate this day off work by stopping by Lumberton Doughnut and Breakfast and show them your support. I'm about to log off and see if they have any bear claws. Lumberton Doughnut and Breakfast also has free Wi-Fi.

The Lumberton Informer is a blog that offers an in depth look at the political climate in the City of Lumberton, MS as well as provide social commentary on issues affecting communities across the nation. My mission is to provide a lively and interactive forum where all members of the community can come together for the greater good of our city, state and country. Disclaimer: The views expressed in this blog are solely those of the author in his private capacity and in no way reflects or represent the views of any elected officials or public servants. We live in a litigious society and as a result, there is this murky intersection between policy and practice, micro and macro, and urban and rural that I hope my blogging can spur discussion on. Because at the end of the day, a frank and open discussion is what’s most needed. I hope to be a part of this with all of you.